MySDS mobile iconMobile menu

WHMIS Updates to GHS Revision 7 & 8: What You Need to Know

Back
Share This Post
Linkedin

In December 2022, Health Canada updated WHMIS (formerly WHMIS 2015) to align with GHS Revision 7 and selected elements of Revision 8. These changes directly impact the Hazardous Products Act (HPA) and the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR). Deadline for compliance: December 14, 2025

Key Changes to SDSs and Classification Requirements

1. New Hazard Classes & Subcategories

  • Flammable Gases split into:
    • Category 1A: Pyrophoric or chemically unstable gases
    • Category 1B: Other flammable gases
  • Aerosols renamed; Category 3 added for non-flammable aerosols
  • Chemicals Under Pressure: A new hazard class with full pictogram and signal word requirements
  • Updates also affect:
    • Oxidizing solids
    • Combustible dust
    • Acute toxicity
    • Carcinogenicity

2. Section 9: Physical & Chemical Properties (Expanded)

Now required:

  • Physical state, colour, particle characteristics
  • Kinematic viscosity
  • Relative vapour density

Removed:

  • Odour threshold and evaporation rate (can still be included as supplemental data)

3. Section 3: Ingredient Disclosure

  • All hazardous ingredients above the relevant cutoff must now be listed—even if they don’t contribute to classification.

4. Water-Activated Toxicants

  • SDSs must include a hazard statement if toxic gas is released when the product reacts with water.

5. Trade Secret Concentration Ranges

  • Narrower concentration ranges are now allowed, provided they remain within HPR’s legal parameters.

Transition & Compliance Timeline

  • Suppliers and manufacturers must update SDSs and labels by December 14, 2025.
  • During the transition period, you must choose either full pre- or post-amendment compliance—mixing is not allowed.
  • Employers must update WHMIS training programs and workplace chemical procedures to reflect the new classifications and label elements.

How MySDS Can Support You

  • SDS authoring systems updated to support GHS 7 & 8 formats
  • Automated notifications for new SDS versions
  • Industry-compliant SDS portals with clear version control
  • Expertise in multilingual SDSs and label compliance
  • Training resources and WHMIS program alignment tools

Next Steps for Compliance

  1. Inventory Check – Identify SDSs that may be outdated
  2. Gap Analysis – Review SDSs against updated Section 9 and hazard classes
  3. Update or Re-Author – Work with suppliers or MySDS to bring documentation into compliance
  4. Train Your Teams – Revise WHMIS training materials to reflect new standards
  5. Communicate – Alert internal stakeholders to changes and the compliance deadline

Why It Matters

These updates are designed to enhance hazard communication, improve workplace safety, and ensure your operations meet Canadian compliance requirements.

With the December 14, 2025, deadline approaching, now is the time to review your SDSs and SDS management systems and act.

Need help with SDS inventory management or authoring your SDSs and training programs?

Contact MySDS for expert guidance and peace of mind.

Back
Municipalities

The MySDS
Price Guarantee

If you find a lower price for a comparable service, we will beat it by 10%.* Contact us today, and start saving money today!

Get Started Today
*Subject to price match proof. Terms and conditions apply.

Posts you might like:

About Our Founder

Our Founder has created software that made safety data sheet management easier than before for the province of Ontario. Click here to learn about our Founder.

Read More >
Chemicals & Lost-time Injury

Chemicals in the workplace can cause a variety of problems if they are handled incorrectly, from chemical burns, allergic reactions, inhalation and more.

Read More >
e-Learning Online Training

e-Learning Online Training Workplace Safety TDG ICC International Compliance Centre.

Read More >
4 Ways to Your Family's Safety This Fall

As we wave goodbye to the final days of summer and start warming up to the idea of shorter nights, changing leaves and upcoming holidays.

Read More >
What Have We Learned? - Lead

Lead is a heavy metal that is silvery grey in colour. It is known for it’s relatively low melting point, ductility (ability to be stretched without being d

Read More >